Improvement in composition for tanning



UNITED STATES PATENT Ori ice.

THOMAS S. PAGE, OF MILAN, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN COMPOSlTlON FOR TANNING.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 25,522, dated September 20, 1859.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS S. PAGE, of Milan, in the county of Erie and State of Ohio, have invented or discovered a new and useful Composition for Tanning Leather; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the manner of compounding and using the same.

My invention relates to an improved mode of tanning; and it consists in a new composition of matter, whereby I am enabled to produce a superior article of leather in a cheap and expeditious manner.

The following are the ingredients and proportions of my improved composition, viz: terra-japonica or Bengal catechu, three parts; sulphate of alumina and potassa or alum, threefourths part; muriate of soda or common salt, six parts; nitrate of potash or saltpeter, one part; sulphate of soda or Glaubers salts, three parts. Twelve pounds of catechu and a proportionate quantity of the other ingredients of this composition are sufiicient to tan halt a dozen calf-skins or a commensurate quantity of hides. These several ingredients are separately dissolved in hot water and thoroughly mingled togetherinavat. Water is then added in the proportion. of two and a half gallons to every pound of catechu when in a dry state. After being prepared in the usual way for tanning, the hides or skins are immersed in this liquor and allowed to remain therein for about forty-eight hours. The strength of the liquor is then increased until it bears the proportion of only one gallon and a half of water to each pound of dry catechu, and in this the hides are kept from eight to ten days, according to their relative size and thickness,in which time they will be thoroughly tanned.

By the use of the above-described com position I have succeded in producing, as I have demonstrated by experiment, the following, among other, advantages, viz: The time consumed in tanning by the old process is very much shortened, a greater weight of leather is produced from a given number of skins, less expensive materials are employed, the leather produced is firm, pliable, and impervious to water, and in good condition for the reception of colors.

What I claim is A liquor composed of terra-japonica, sulphate of alumina and potassa, muriate of soda, nitrate of potash, and sulphate of soda, when combined in the proportions and for the purpose herein described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name.

THOMAS S. PAGE.

Witnesses:

R. T. Rosa, T. R. STRONG. 

